Your deadline is fast approaching and your best project manager calls to say that he’s not coming in. His father landed in the emergency room after a fall. “Do what you need to do,” you say.
This situation is not unusual. As elderly people decline their children may find that their parents need more care, but when they are resistant to change the family may feel that there is little they can do. Then, the phone call comes.
Managing baby boomers is getting trickier every day. They are working longer, and balancing care for children, grandchildren and their parents. As they go through their sixties, they inevitably find themselves in some type of caregiver crisis.
What can you do to help?
1. Develop a new mindset about work life balance in regards to elder care, similar to the mindset you may have adapted to about child care. Work and personal lives aren’t siloed so much any more, and helping a good employee get through a crisis will result in an even better employee.
2. Understand that eldercare issues usually start with a crisis, and then peak several more times at various crisis points. Handling it well the first time will put an employee at ease in the future.
3. Know that the EAP is standing by to help with eldercare placement and services. The EAP is experienced in helping at various stages of decline and have valuable experience to bring to the table. After the consultation, the EAP saves, on average, 8 hours of work time by doing phone research for employees.
4. Remember that the EAP is there for you too. You might need help recommending the EAP, explaining the services to employees, or you might need help with your own parents.
The EAP is standing by to support you in your role as a manager. Next time you get a call like this, say “What can I do to help?” and have the EAP phone number at your fingertips.
Does someone on your team need assistance today?
